The Railway Detective's Christmas Case: The bestselling Victorian mystery series

Cyril Hubbleday, in charge of an excursion train to Great Malvern, is shot dead by a sniper on December 1864. Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming are under pressure to solve the case quickly, but the hunt for a cold-blooded killer is far from straightforward due to disputes and enemies in the shadows.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Allison & Busby

As a frigid winter wind swept through the Worcestershire countryside, an excursion train chugged through a tunnel in the Malvern Hills only to be met with a sudden blockage on the line ahead. The driver, skilled in his craft, managed to slow the train down, minimizing the impact, but the passengers were left alarmed. The first to alight from the train was Cyril Hubbleday, the esteemed man in charge of the excursion to the picturesque spa town of Great Malvern. With a confident stride, he approached the front of the locomotive, engaging in a conversation with the driver, fireman, and guard. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Hubbleday was shot dead by a sniper, sending shockwaves through the crowd.

Christmas was fast approaching, and Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming were under immense pressure to swiftly solve the case. However, the task at hand was far from straightforward, as the seasonal excursion and the investigation were plagued by numerous disputes and hidden enemies lurking in the shadows. The heavy snowfall further complicated matters, hampering their search for the cold-blooded killer.

Determined to unravel the mystery, Colbeck and Leeming delved deep into the investigation, sifting through clues and interrogating witnesses. They encountered a cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets, making the task even more challenging. As they dug deeper, they discovered a web of lies and deceit that seemed to connect all the suspects, leaving them with more questions than answers.

Despite the obstacles, Colbeck and Leeming refused to give up. They worked tirelessly, day and night, pouring over every piece of evidence and following every lead. They encountered numerous dead ends and red herrings, but their unwavering determination kept them going.

Finally, after weeks of tireless effort, they stumbled upon a breakthrough. With the help of a confidential informant, they were able to identify the culprit as a former soldier with a troubled past. The soldier had been driven by a sense of revenge and had planned the assassination meticulously, using his military training to execute his plan.

In a dramatic climax, Colbeck and Leeming arrested the soldier and brought him to justice. The case was solved, and the Worcestershire countryside was once again safe. The passengers on the excursion train breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have closure to the tragic incident.

As the winter wind continued to blow, Colbeck and Leeming reflected on the case, grateful for the opportunity to solve it and bring justice to the victim. They knew that there would be more cases to come, but they were ready to face them head-on, armed with their knowledge, experience, and unwavering determination.

In conclusion, the investigation into the murder of Cyril Hubbleday during a seasonal excursion train in December 1864 was a complex and challenging one. Despite numerous obstacles and enemies, Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming were able to solve the case and bring the culprit to justice. Their tireless efforts and unwavering determination showcased the professionalism and dedication of the police force, and the passengers on the train were left grateful for their bravery and dedication.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749027292